Procter & Gamble plant celebrates 40th anniversary

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO — About 4,000 current and former employees came out to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Procter & Gamble Company''s Cape Girardeau plant with community and state leaders this past Saturday, according to the Southeast Missourian.

According to the story, throughout the day, children went down inflatable slides, a rock band played a few tunes, about 30 classic and antique cars were on display and hot dogs and hamburgers were served.

The 3.48 million-square-foot facility opened in 1969 and encompasses 1,311 acres, making it the largest of Procter & Gamble''s 140 facilities, the story stated.

Tom Sutterer, a Procter & Gamble employee since 1985, said: "When I look back on what has taken place in the years I''ve been here, it makes me proud to think of how the company has benefited so many families like mine through the years. I''ve seen quite a few changes through the years, but the company''s commitment to taking care of us has remained the same."

The Cape Girardeau plant produces three of the company''s top grossing products — Bounty, Charmin and Pampers, the story noted.

Nearly 1,200 people are employed at the plant that has a combined payroll of $73 million, the story added.